Tips for newly hired teachers to adjust fast in their assigned school

Every teacher has a story to tell upon his/her first day of duty at the assigned school. It is natural to feel nervous upon joining a group of teachers with different personalities. Some schools are very accommodating to their new colleagues and really make a welcome party for the new joiners, however, there are also some schools that will do the opposite (if you are a teacher reading this then you can relate).

For some reasons, I have the urge to write this article on giving tips to newly hired teachers to adapt to their environment fast and never be homesick from the previous work they have (most teachers will feel homesick) especially if the previous workmates are that nice enough compare to the new ones. Here are my top 10 (ten) tips for teachers on how to adapt very well in their new environment.

1. BE FRIENDLY TO ALL

Wear your beautiful smile and be friends with the teachers in your school. Try to know their names and know their subjects taught so that you can easily pinpoint where to ask for assistance whenever you need any (like in case if you need any teaching tools, etc.). You have to always remember the saying “No man is an island.” You need to gain more friends and most especially, try to find your circle of friends within the campus. Remember, in every school, there is really the presence of those who are difficult to be with but as long as you know how to find your group, then you are saved.

2. OBSERVE YOUR WORKING ENVIRONMENT KEENLY

On your first to the second week of duty, you have to observe first how your school does. It means that you have to observe the flow of work and how the people around you behave or react so that you can also prepare yourself for possible occurrences in the next few days. Never jump into a decision without observing how things work in your school.

3. BE COURTEOUS AND RESPECTFUL

If you are a new teacher, you have to always be courteous and respectful to your seniors. Regardless of status, you have to be fair and keep your good values (because sometimes there are newly hired who think highly of themselves). If you are someone who is arrogant, expect bashers, and backbites.

4. BE HUMBLE AND HARD-WORKING

Maintain a low profile even though you are very intelligent. Work hard and don’t let your time be wasted on some unnecessary things (like “chismis” lol).

5. LISTEN TO YOUR SENIOR TEACHERS

If there are any issues, listen to your senior teachers and try to ask them for their help in order to keep up with the situation. Senior teachers know best when it comes to dealing with school problems because they have more experience than you do.

6. ACCEPT CORRECTIONS FROM YOUR SENIOR TEACHERS

If you are being corrected on something, you have to accept it wholeheartedly as long as it adds to your learning as a new teacher. Corrections are sometimes made to make us closer to perfect so accept all of it. You don’t need to be too conceited to ignore their suggestions.

7. AVOID BEING A TWO-FACED AND A BACKBITER

Of all the tips you will be reading here, this is the most important one. Be true to yourself and don’t be a “two-faced” teacher. You cannot toss both sides of the coins at the same time so if there are misunderstandings in your school, better to avoid being associated with it. In every school, there are real issues and problems that will arise. Be fair with your judgment and avoid instances that will make you a backbiter. Also, avoid teachers who are “bad influencer”, those who will drag you down. I have seen many of them in our school and in other schools as well!

8.HANDLE YOUR ISSUES/PROBLEMS PROFESSIONALY

If you have issues or problems related to the school, solve it professionally, and avoid using methods that will bring down the name of the school or even your name.

9. ACCEPT ASSIGNED TASK WITH A GRATEFUL HEART

If you are given a task, you have to do it with all that you have as long as you can do it. You have to show to your higher authorities that there is nothing you can do since you are a teacher. Think of it as a challenge on your part and make it a motivation to even make yourself go up the ladder. Never complain because a single complaint will mean insubordination (it also depends on the situation).

10. MOST OF ALL, JUST JOIN WITH THE FLOW AND EVERYTHING WILL GO SMOOTHLY

Dear teacher, if you want to live peacefully and work peacefully in a group of many individuals with different personalities, I suggest you just join with the flow and hope for everything to run smoothly in accordance with what everybody needs. – Clea | Helpline PH